Basic Firefighter Written Practice Exam

Which statement is true about life-safety rope that has been impact-loaded?

1. It can be reused if cleaned

2. It must be removed from service immediately

3. It can be inspected and reused

4. It should be stored for future use

The correct answer is: It must be removed from service immediately

When life-safety rope has been impact-loaded, it is crucial to understand that the integrity of the rope may have been compromised due to the forces exerted on it during the fall or impact. Impact-loading can lead to internal damage that is not visible through an external inspection, which means the rope may not be safe for future use despite appearances. Removing the rope from service immediately after it has been impact-loaded is essential to ensure the safety of all personnel who might rely on it in the future. Life-safety ropes are designed to protect lives, and any potential compromise in their structural integrity poses a significant risk. Therefore, the safest course of action is to discard the rope permanently rather than attempting to inspect, clean, or reuse it, as this could lead to dangerous outcomes in critical situations.